Rode on my rollers this morning for about 10 seconds before I realized I had a flat front tire. It was a slow leak at the stem so I just pumped it up for one last ride. Twenty-five minutes later I flatted the rear. It seems that my rim tape had a slight ridge that punctured the tube. Both tubes have multiple patches so I am headed down to the LBS tomorrow to purchase some new rim tape and 2 tubes.
More of an issue is that it is 20 degrees below normal temperatures here and we received our first accumulation of snowfall. This is the time of year that I dread. Not enough snow to get out the x-country skis and too much snow and ice to ride on the road. It does not look like it is going to warm up over the next week so I think I am now relegated to the rollers for awhile. It is too bad as now that I am living near the city there are a few good rides on the weekend. I really need to build up a single-speed for winter riding. Hope to do that in the next couple months.
Only 5 more months until race season so despite the flat tires and snow there is no excuses even in November...
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Why I Ride a Bike
I still get funny looks sometimes when I say that I am a cyclist. Not as often since Lance Armstrong won 7 straight tours. Still, as often as not, when I meet someone I know they are thinking isn't riding a bike for kids or do you really enjoy wearing spandex. The answer to both these questions are yes and just a few of the reasons why I enjoy riding a bike although I can safely saying wearing spandex was not the reason why I began riding.
I started riding as a child as it provided another level of freedom. When I was five years old I was given carte blanche to ride anywhere I wanted as long as I did not cross Main St in our small town. This liberated me from the pedestrian confinement that I was limited to in my first 4 years of life. As I grew older my bike served as transportation to football and baseball practice, riding past and eventually to a girls house, and roaming the village streets with my friends as we raced to street signs or meandered through the evening and into the night hours without any purpose other than to avoid boredom.
A driver's license, part-time jobs, and girlfriends that lived outside of town parted me from my daily riding for a number of years. As college came to a close and relegated to sharing a car with my kid sister I again turned to the bike. Since that time (15+ years) I have learned to love the bike as a child. Of course it is different now as riding involves wearing cycling kit, a helmet, and training for races. Yet, that personal joy you experience when riding by yourself or with a group of friends as you navigate through the countryside is not much different than what you experience as a child. Although now I can cross Main St without worry.
I started riding as a child as it provided another level of freedom. When I was five years old I was given carte blanche to ride anywhere I wanted as long as I did not cross Main St in our small town. This liberated me from the pedestrian confinement that I was limited to in my first 4 years of life. As I grew older my bike served as transportation to football and baseball practice, riding past and eventually to a girls house, and roaming the village streets with my friends as we raced to street signs or meandered through the evening and into the night hours without any purpose other than to avoid boredom.
A driver's license, part-time jobs, and girlfriends that lived outside of town parted me from my daily riding for a number of years. As college came to a close and relegated to sharing a car with my kid sister I again turned to the bike. Since that time (15+ years) I have learned to love the bike as a child. Of course it is different now as riding involves wearing cycling kit, a helmet, and training for races. Yet, that personal joy you experience when riding by yourself or with a group of friends as you navigate through the countryside is not much different than what you experience as a child. Although now I can cross Main St without worry.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Expectations
As the satisfaction of this past Tuesday's election continues in both my mind and heart I now begin to question whether any one person can meet the expectations we have set for Barack Obama. I believe that due to Obama's heritage and his ability as an orator that people will be measuring him with a tall stick for very different reasons. Those who oppose him for his race are going to ask of him to be better than their own selves as we have in the past with the likes of Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, Sidney Poitier, and Colin Powell. Those who oppose him for his politics are going to judge him against their own beliefs without regard to the potential that these words and actions may have near and long term. Those who just want to see any man fail will never be able to enjoy the fact that for the first time in many years we have a leader that can inspire our people to be greater than we are today.
So back to my original question whether any one man can meet these expectations. The answer is no. It will take a dynamic leader like Obama with a lot of cooperation, keen observation, and effort from his own cabinet, the legislature, the American people, and the leaders of the world to enable him to begin to meet these expectations. I only hope that we provide him with our best so he can in return do the what is best for us. We also need to recognize that some things can be done in days, other in months, while many will take years or decades to complete. We need to turn away from our what have you done for me lately and immediate gratification stances to what is realistic today and more significantly what can you do for the next generation and those that follow.
We have to realize that we are at a point where our nation and the world is at a crossroad on whether our Earth and its people can survive the treatment we have given it. We also have to realize that things can change starting today even if we cannot measure the affects of our actions until years later. Hopefully we will give the same regard to our newly elected President.
So back to my original question whether any one man can meet these expectations. The answer is no. It will take a dynamic leader like Obama with a lot of cooperation, keen observation, and effort from his own cabinet, the legislature, the American people, and the leaders of the world to enable him to begin to meet these expectations. I only hope that we provide him with our best so he can in return do the what is best for us. We also need to recognize that some things can be done in days, other in months, while many will take years or decades to complete. We need to turn away from our what have you done for me lately and immediate gratification stances to what is realistic today and more significantly what can you do for the next generation and those that follow.
We have to realize that we are at a point where our nation and the world is at a crossroad on whether our Earth and its people can survive the treatment we have given it. We also have to realize that things can change starting today even if we cannot measure the affects of our actions until years later. Hopefully we will give the same regard to our newly elected President.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Record Profits in an Ailing Economy
This week Exxon Mobil reported record profits for a US company. After posting 11.68 billion in the second quarter which would be a record for a mere 90 days when they posted 14.83 billion in the third quarter on 137.7 billion in revenue. This is before any one-time adjustments, but even including those their earnings were still 13.7 billion. And do not mistakenly think Exxon is managing their business so shrewdly to accrue such a hefty payoff. Chevron, the second largest 'energy' company in the US, posted earnings of 7.9 billion in the same quarter despite weathering the effects of the hurricane season. In fact, the so called Big Five (Exxon, BP, Shell, Chevron and ConocoPhillip) posted total earnings of roughly 50 billion in the past quarter. And these earnings are being posted as the US, if not the world, is experiencing a recessionary period.
50 billion. That is the exact number the US has pledged to help defeat world poverty. Not fully understanding McCainsian theory of trickle down I wonder how many of these dollars will help feed the hungry. I know that in Q2 of '06 when the Big Five earned 34 billion or 16 million per hour in that quarter that we only saw the price at the pump continue to go up and I did not witness any major contributions to help those most in need. And although I have been one of the lucky few (at least so far) and did see my own income stay stable during this period I am actually worse off now as my paycheck has much less purchasing power.
I do not begrudge a company creating value for their shareholders and I realize that no one company is going to forgo an opportunity to increase their share of the pie. It is not in the spirit of true capitalism to do so. What we can ask is that these companies across the globe are asked to participate in funding other initiatives like alternative energy programs, clean water, etc. that will help the world's people. I realize that this may only further their profits, but if regulated to some degree it will truly trickle down to those in the most need and everyone in between. I also realize that this may be wishful thinking, but their is so much opportunity for these monies to do good that you have to ask the question.
50 billion. That is the exact number the US has pledged to help defeat world poverty. Not fully understanding McCainsian theory of trickle down I wonder how many of these dollars will help feed the hungry. I know that in Q2 of '06 when the Big Five earned 34 billion or 16 million per hour in that quarter that we only saw the price at the pump continue to go up and I did not witness any major contributions to help those most in need. And although I have been one of the lucky few (at least so far) and did see my own income stay stable during this period I am actually worse off now as my paycheck has much less purchasing power.
I do not begrudge a company creating value for their shareholders and I realize that no one company is going to forgo an opportunity to increase their share of the pie. It is not in the spirit of true capitalism to do so. What we can ask is that these companies across the globe are asked to participate in funding other initiatives like alternative energy programs, clean water, etc. that will help the world's people. I realize that this may only further their profits, but if regulated to some degree it will truly trickle down to those in the most need and everyone in between. I also realize that this may be wishful thinking, but their is so much opportunity for these monies to do good that you have to ask the question.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Why not go virile?
I have a personal policy that I do not pass along emails that espouse certain political or social views even when they are from credible sources. Over the last few years I have joined the Save Darfur Coalition, ONE, and other groups with which I share a common belief and do what I can to assist them with their cause. As part of their campaigns they many times include a virile component asking their members to forward their email to friends so they may also join in the crusade to end the senseless violence and poverty throughout the world. Although I am fine receiving such emails I abide by my own personal policy and do not forward any of this information no matter how violently I agree with the message or cause.
I know in today's high-touch, connected world that this may make me appear as a Luddite, but I have always kept this promise to myself for one reason only. That reason is that I disagree with the approach that anyone would push their religion, culture, beliefs, or thoughts on another person without being initially engaged by that person.
So you may ask 'how can you write about your views on a blog?' My simple answer is that if anyone reads this I am assuming they have purposely sought out this information and if not can turn away at any time.
I use the same guidelines in personal conversation or email. If a person opens a topic or seems interested in learning more about me I am willing to share my views given that I do not expect to 'convert' anyone. I only hope to share a bit about me and my thoughts and in turn learn more about the people with whom I engage. Taking this approach I may cut myself off to touching someone who may not have sought me out, but I also remove the risk that I am imposing myself on another who may not share my views.
Although I will continue to remain subservient to my own relationship rules I know that many of the causes to which I prescribe need virile components to compete in our scattered informational world and hope they succeed. No matter what our own personal policies we all can recognize the tragedies like Darfur or the extreme poverty from which nearly one-sixth of our world's population suffer and the need for the human race to be more responsive to those in need.
I know in today's high-touch, connected world that this may make me appear as a Luddite, but I have always kept this promise to myself for one reason only. That reason is that I disagree with the approach that anyone would push their religion, culture, beliefs, or thoughts on another person without being initially engaged by that person.
So you may ask 'how can you write about your views on a blog?' My simple answer is that if anyone reads this I am assuming they have purposely sought out this information and if not can turn away at any time.
I use the same guidelines in personal conversation or email. If a person opens a topic or seems interested in learning more about me I am willing to share my views given that I do not expect to 'convert' anyone. I only hope to share a bit about me and my thoughts and in turn learn more about the people with whom I engage. Taking this approach I may cut myself off to touching someone who may not have sought me out, but I also remove the risk that I am imposing myself on another who may not share my views.
Although I will continue to remain subservient to my own relationship rules I know that many of the causes to which I prescribe need virile components to compete in our scattered informational world and hope they succeed. No matter what our own personal policies we all can recognize the tragedies like Darfur or the extreme poverty from which nearly one-sixth of our world's population suffer and the need for the human race to be more responsive to those in need.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Post Industrial Expectations
A conversation with a colleague today reinforced a viewpoint with which I myself am conflicted, but begs for patience and persistence. The issue being discussed was the tainting of milk in China. The tainting of the milk with melamine does not bring about the inharmonious thoughts as in no case can it be considered humane or ethical to introduce a harmful chemical to a consumable good. (Okay, that begs the question why we allow tobacco companies to peddle their wares or CAFOs to feed grain to cows until they are near death which humans then consume until they are near death. These are questions for another time.) The conflict arises when you see so many residents of developed countries shunning a nation that is struggling with their development as the developed country has in the past.
My colleague, who has adopted two wonderful children from China, stated that he feels like for most people he must educate them about this growing nation while not seeming like he is defending all their actions. He does this to not only educate others about something which they may have little knowledge, but also to preserve a cultural identity with which his children will be able to relate to one day. A long row to hoe no matter how you look at it, but with so many Americans suffering from ethnocentrism you can imagine the numerous, patient conversations he engages in.
The interesting fact that he noted during our discussion was that tainted milk was also a public issue in NYC in middle 19th century. And due to the lack of controls, limited technology, and less intensive media the impact was greater than it has been with the current case with an estimate 8,000 deaths per year. This is where the antagonistic musings begin.
The interesting fact that he noted during our discussion was that tainted milk was also a public issue in NYC in middle 19th century. And due to the lack of controls, limited technology, and less intensive media the impact was greater than it has been with the current case with an estimate 8,000 deaths per year. This is where the antagonistic musings begin.
How can a nation that has experienced these same growth issues condemn a country that has adopted many of the same capitalistic aspirations for their own people. The US entered our industrial period with a population of roughly 75 million, no 24 media sources, and a national economy for many of our goods. We then took the next 50 years to reach a 'post industrial' state where the majority of Americans felt some level of reassurance that we could police our own corporations the majority of the time. Of course this level of confidence has been tested many times (asbestos, lead paint, nuclear waste, junk bonds, Enron, etc.), but in most cases we have found approaches that keep the majority of our citizens safe from harm. China is attempting to navigate a similar path for their own people, but with a population of 1.2 billion, 24 hour news sources, and a global economy.
One can immediately point to the political differences between China and the US, but remember we granted women the right to vote 30 years into our industrialization and did not grant civil liberties to many men and women until we were in our post industrial state. I am not asking to condone the inhumane treatment of any of China's people, the unwillingness to compete fairly in the global economy, or the devastating impact of their growth on the climate. What I am asking is that we try to better understand what is occurring and how to best educate ourselves and our neighbors across the world so we all can benefit from the growth of our world economies while preserving our planet.
One can immediately point to the political differences between China and the US, but remember we granted women the right to vote 30 years into our industrialization and did not grant civil liberties to many men and women until we were in our post industrial state. I am not asking to condone the inhumane treatment of any of China's people, the unwillingness to compete fairly in the global economy, or the devastating impact of their growth on the climate. What I am asking is that we try to better understand what is occurring and how to best educate ourselves and our neighbors across the world so we all can benefit from the growth of our world economies while preserving our planet.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
10 Days
For the first time in my adult life I am marking the days until our presidential election. This anticipation is the direct result of having an opportunity to vote for a truly inspirational figure - Barack Obama. I can only imagine my parents, as young adults, having this same glimmer of what the world could be when voting for JFK. Although I think this time instead of generating a vision of furthering an already great nation, we need to restore our country and people.
We all know how insipient greed has lead to slowdown of our economy, but I am confident that it will be restored in due time. What I am looking forward to is repairing the integrity of our nation and as important eliminating the fision of our world's people. Obama may not be able to accomplish this in one term or even two, but I believe he is capable of establishing the path that will allow for this to occur. Of course there will be many challenges domestically (economy, energy, climate, social programs, healthcare, etc.) and with foreign policy (economy, two wars, politicaly instability, etc.) on which he will be tested and measured. My hope is that a quarter century from now we will be able to point to Nov 4, 2008 as the day that helped to change the direction of our global people and the planet we inhabit.
We all know how insipient greed has lead to slowdown of our economy, but I am confident that it will be restored in due time. What I am looking forward to is repairing the integrity of our nation and as important eliminating the fision of our world's people. Obama may not be able to accomplish this in one term or even two, but I believe he is capable of establishing the path that will allow for this to occur. Of course there will be many challenges domestically (economy, energy, climate, social programs, healthcare, etc.) and with foreign policy (economy, two wars, politicaly instability, etc.) on which he will be tested and measured. My hope is that a quarter century from now we will be able to point to Nov 4, 2008 as the day that helped to change the direction of our global people and the planet we inhabit.
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